Working together on
microfinance and microinsurance
microfinance and microinsurance
“Microfact is a joint initiative of BRS and the Luxembourg NGO ADA. We offer microfinancing and microinsurance institutions practical training and work tools. This allows them to calculate and evaluate their own financial and social performance.”
“My job really makes me happy.” BRS employee Jarek Chuchla stresses it a few times. And even without repeating it, his enthusiasm is evident. From the pace of his speech. From the love with which he speaks about his African and Latin American colleagues. From his arm movements, which become wider the more he gets into his stride. When Jarek talks about his work as Microfact coordinator, “enthusiastic” is an understatement.
“Microfact is a joint initiative of BRS and the Luxembourg NGO ADA. We offer microfinancing and microinsurance institutions practical training and work tools. This allows them to calculate and evaluate their own financial and social performance.
One of our tools is the Factsheet, an Excel system with which you can automatically calculate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). There is a version for credit institutions and one for insurance institutions. More than 800 organisations worldwide use this Factsheet to analyse their figures and make decisions based on them. The Compiler, a large database that brings together several Factsheets, allows us to measure overarching results. These tools, available free of charge on our website, are recognised and highly appreciated worldwide. Both by microfinancing institutions and by NGOs and investment funds.”
“In 2017, we developed a new instrument: Microvision. This is a tool that allows MFIs to draw up a realistic business plan with very reliable figures. A top-level projection tool, interesting for the MFIs themselves and also for investors and donors. In addition to developing instruments, Microfact also provides training in the use of these tools. And we also train local trainers, who in turn provide training.”
“Our Microfact trainers provide a real leverage effect. They exchange experiences with each other via emails and WhatsApp groups per region. This is how they support and motivate each other. In this way, I keep a close eye on what is going on in this community of trainers. Personal meetings at international conferences also fuel this dynamic. Believe me, our local trainers are the best ambassadors that Microfact could wish for!”
“I am very happy to have joined BRS. In a small team like ours, you are responsible for your project from A to Z. For everything. That is very satisfying. And I get a lot of appreciation for what I do. I see that my work changes something tangible for people in the South and then I know that what I do has real meaning. My job at Microfact is work with a soul. Meaningful for the people in the South and therefore also meaningful for me.”
Want to know more about Microfact? Then be sure to take a look at www.microfact.org
